BOR Summary, June 2, 1998

Office of University Relations
SDSM& T News
501 E. St. Joseph Street • Rapid City, SD 57701- 3995
Phone: ( 605) 394- 6082/ 2554 • Fax: ( 605) 394- 6177
BOARD OF REGENTS SUMMARY
JUNE 2, 1998
SDSM& T FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $ 16 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
The SDSM& T Foundation announced the institution’s $ 16 million Capital Campaign - Vision 2000: Leadership for the Next Century today at a press conference followed by a National Launching Event this evening. The $ 16 million program has been implemented to help provide much needed support to the institution. The focus of the campaign includes $ 4 million in cash gifts to address immediate areas of need and $ 12 million in endowment gifts to provide continued annual support.
The announcement of the campaign represents the culmination of over three years of planning and implementation efforts. These efforts began with the prioritization of campus needs— namely support for student scholarships, faculty, program, laboratory and equipment. “ Additional support of these areas is critical if South Dakota Tech is to continue providing the best educational opportunities to students and faculty,” stated Dr. Richard Gowen, President of SDSM& T.
To measure the willingness of alumni, friends and corporations to support a potential capital campaign, a market feasibility study was conducted. Sixty meetings were held throughout the region and across the nation. Over 600 people attended these meetings and provided input that formed the basis for the final campaign goals. The responses from those attending were overwhelmingly positive. In fact, 91% of those responding indicated a willingness to financially support the proposed campaign. “ This incredible level of support shows the total commitment and dedication of our faculty and friends,” said Dr. Howard Peterson, Chairman of the SDSM& T Foundation Board and SDSM& T Dean of Students Emeritus.
To date 132 individuals have been recognized as National Leaders because of their commitment to the campaign. Included in this national leadership are 4 Honorary Chairs and 12 Endorsement Chairs. In addition, 34 National Co- Chairs ( gifting $ 100,000 or more), 28 National Cabinet ( gifting $ 25,000 or more), and 54 National Council ( gifting $ 10,000 or more) have agreed to support the campaign. These National Leaders represent many committed local alumni and friends of SDSM& T, as well as individuals from over 25 other states, who are willing to financially support the institution’s efforts.
Because of the tremendous commitment of these National Leaders, along with gifts from other alumni, friends and corporations, this first- ever Capital Campaign has raised $ 10,041,998 of the total goal to date. The Foundation hopes to achieve the ultimate goal of $ 16 million to coincide with the All Alumni Reunion scheduled for July, 2000.
SDSM& T AND WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO CO- HOST PROGRAM TO HELP SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS MAKE THE TRANSITION TO HIGHER EDUCATION
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T) and Western Dakota Technical Institute will co- host “ Catch the Wave!- A Program for Special Needs Students” on Friday, May 1st. The morning session ( 9: 00 a. m. - noon) will be held on the SDSM& T campus with the afternoon session ( 1: 30 - 4: 00 p. m.) held at Western Dakota Technical Institute.
“ This program will provide information about what students with disabilities need to make a successful transition to postsecondary education,” says Dr. Francine Campone, SDSM& T Associate Dean of Students. “ The sessions are designed to benefit high school students, especially sophomores, their families, high school counselors and educators.”
There is no charge to attend any of the sessions. However, pre- registration is requested and individuals are encouraged to attend both sessions in both locations. To register or request special accommodations, contact Francine Campone, SDSM& T Associate Dean of Students, at 394- 2416 or via e- mail at fcampone@ silver. sdsmt. edu.
SDSM& T LITTLE MINERS’ CHILD CARE CENTER CELEBRATES WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD WITH OPEN HOUSE AND WEATHER BALLOON LAUNCH ON APRIL 23
The Little Miners’ Clubhouse Child Care Center on the SDSM& T campus will celebrate the Week of the Young Child ( April 19- 25) with an open house and a special weather balloon launch on Thursday, April 23. The open house will be held from 9: 00 a. m. to noon. At 10: 00 a. m. the Little Miners’ children will help Dr. Douglas MacTaggart, SDSM& T Atmospheric Sciences Research Associate, launch a special tethered weather balloon on the O’Harra Stadium Field.
Operated under a partnership with the Rapid City YMCA, the Little Miners’ Clubhouse provides year- round licensed child care to the SDSM& T and Rapid City community. Services are available on a full- time, part- time and drop- in basis. Programs are offered for infant through pre- school age children. Many of the educational activities at the Little Miners’ Clubhouse, which opened in August 1996, emphasize skills that are important later for a child’s math and science development. Many of the hands- on activities help to interest the children in science and numbers.
SDSM& T TEAM WINS SALES PRESENTATION EVENT AT MINI- BAJA WEST COMPETITION / FINISHES 9TH OVERALL OUT OF 55 TEAMS
SDSM& T’s Mini- Baja team won the sales presentation event and finished 9th overall out of 55 teams in this year’s Mini- Baja West Competition. Forty- six universities from the U. S. and Mexico competed in the 1998 Mini- Baja West Competition held April 16- 18 at the University of Texas- El Paso.
Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers ( SAE), the intercollegiate Mini- Baja competition involves real- world engineering design projects in which each student team designs, builds, and races a four- wheeled, off- road recreation vehicle. The Briggs & Stratton Corporation donates an 8- horsepower engine for each team’s vehicle.
The Mini- Baja judges evaulate each team on standards of engineering design, technical inspection/ safety, sales presentation and cost analysis. In addition to acceleration/ braking, maneuverability, and hill climb events, the vehicles also compete in a 4- hour, off- road endurance race over rugged terrain to determine dependability.
" By winning the sales presentation event and earning a 9th - place overall finish, our Mini- Baja students demonstrated not only their engineering expertise but also their abilities to communicate effectively. These important qualities will help our students succeed in the workplace after they graduate," says Dr. Dan Dolan, SDSM& T Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mini- Baja team faculty advisor.
SDSM& T STUDENTS TO COMPETE WITH ROBOT IN IEEE REGIONAL ROBOTICS CONTEST
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T) students will compete with their student- designed robot in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) Region 5 Robotics Contest this weekend in Fort Worth, Texas. The contest requires student- designed robots to navigate through a maze to find the room in which a candle is burning, blow out the candle and then return to home base without touching any of the maze walls.
SDSM& T’s team members with their majors and hometowns are Karl Hiramoto, computer engineering, Arlington; Angie Monheim, electrical engineering, Rapid City; and Marijane White, Computer engineering, Fort Wayne, IN. Rich Ivey, a computer science major from Sioux Falls, provided assistance with programming the robot.
In addition to SDSM& T, the eleven universities scheduled to compete in this new IEEE contest include the Louisiana State University, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Texas Technological University ( 2 robots), University of Missouri - Rolla, University of New Orleans, University of Southern Colorado, University of Southwestern Louisiana - Parks, University of Southwestern Louisiana, University of Texas - Austin and Wichita State University.
283 STUDENTS FROM 12 AREA SCHOOLS COMPETE IN 1998 SDSM& T SCIENCE CONTEST
Twelve area high schools and 283 students competed in the 1998 SDSM& T Science Contest held April 16th on the South Dakota Tech campus. Students from Custer, Douglas, Edgemont, Hot Springs, Kadoka, Lead, Newell, Philip, Rapid City Central, Rapid City Stevens, and St. Thomas More High Schools competed in the contest. The students took examinations in the areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
In Division I Schools ( 500+ students), Rapid City Stevens High School won the traveling team trophy in all three categories of competition -- biology, chemistry, and physics. This is the fifth straight year Rapid City Stevens has won the chemistry trophy. Because only one team entered the Division I earth science category this year, no traveling trophy was presented.
In Division II Schools ( less than 500 students), Newell High School took home the traveling team trophies for biology and earth science. St. Thomas More won the chemistry traveling team trophy in chemistry, with Custer High School taking home the physics team trophy.
OVER 70 STUDENT PROJECTS FEATURED AT 2ND ANNUAL SDSM& T SENIOR DESIGN FAIR
Over 70 senior capstone projects from the various fields of engineering and computer science were featured in SDSM& T’s 2nd Annual Senior Design Fair held today on the South Dakota Tech campus. The campus- wide celebration of the design method showcased senior design projects from over 170 students in the following departments: Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Mining Engineering. Some of the projects were externally sponsored by private industry and government agencies.
A sample of the projects that were displayed at the Design Fair included: Robotic Tennis Ball Retriever, Fire Fighting Robot, Head- Tracking Computer Interfacing Device, Battery Powered Railgun, Concrete Canoe, Sanitary Garage Door Opener, Design and Construction of a Portable Wind Tunnel, Flake Removers: Remote Control Snowblowers, Squeak: An Internet Game, SPG Tournament Scheduler, Hotel Reservation System, Extending the Life of a Surgical Knife, Recovery of Platinum from Spent Automotive Catalytic Converters, Inventory Control System at Perdue Woodworks, Methyl- Tert- Butyl Ether Plant, Automation of a Membrane Separator, Virtual Mine, and the Mini- Indy, Mini- Baja and Sunrayce Solar Racing Vehicles.
“ The design method is an essential part of technology in which the creative process is used to develop a product or process to address an identified need,��� said Dr. Christopher Jenkins, SDSM& T Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Coordinator of the Senior Design Fair. “ This event provides an excellent opportunity for the general public, particularly junior high and senior high school students, to see the results when South Dakota Tech students apply the creative process in engineering and science projects.”
NASA’S HIGHEST RANKING NATIVE AMERICAN TO SPEAK AT SOUTH DAKOTA SPACE DAY
David Weston, the highest ranking Native American in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA), will participate in the 4th Annual South Dakota Space Day being held Friday, April 24, in Pierre. Weston is scheduled from 8: 30- 11: 30 a. m. for informal talks with students attending Space Day activities in the Discovery Center in Pierre. He also will speak to Pierre area schools on April 23.
In June 1996 David Weston delivered the commencement address to the first graduating class of Native American pre- college students participating in the NASA- supported Scientific Knowledge for Indian Learning & Leadership ( SKILL) Honors Program at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T). Weston attended an October 1996 White House ceremony where SDSM& T officials and SKILL students presented President Clinton with the first copy of local Oglala Lakota artist Don Montileaux’s painting entitled “ Looking Beyond One’s Self”— the first painting to have flown on a NASA space shuttle. Last year Weston visited Oglala Lakota College ( OLC) as part of a NASA survey team to determine what assistance NASA could provide to expand opportunities for Native Americans to pursue careers in math and science.
Space Day is an outreach education project sponsored by the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium ( SDSGC), supported in part by a grant from NASA. SDSGC Outreach Coordinator Linda Allen, who is based on the SDSM& T campus, serves as general chair of Space Day. SDSU’s Space Grant Office and the Discovery Center are cohosting this year’s Space Day activities. SDSGC members include the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T), South Dakota State University, Augustana College, and the EROS Data Center. Dr. Sherry Farwell, SDSM& T Dean of Graduate Education and Sponsored Programs, is the director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium. For additional information, contact Linda Allen, 394- 1975.
SDSM& T OFFERS FREE BAND AND CHORAL CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) will hold its Spring Band and Spring Choral Concerts this weekend. Both concerts are free and open to the public. SDSM& T’s Symphonic and Jazz Band, under the direction of Milo Winter, will hold its Spring Concert at 7: 30 p. m., Friday, May 1, in the Surbeck Center Ballroom. The program will feature music based on folk songs of America, the United Kingdom, and Africa; plus guest vocal soloist Dr. James Feiszli singing Verdi's “ Nessun Dorma”, an aria from the opera Turandot.
The Tech Jazz Band will open the concert with selections ranging from blues to salsa to Basie- style swing in traditional big- band style. Included in the Symphonic Band's portion of the program will be “ Folk Song Suite” by Vaughan Williams, “ Chorale and Alleluia” by Howard Hanson, and “ Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual” by Robert Smith. A Dixie Combo will join with the band in a medley of Dixieland favorites.
On Saturday, May 2, the SDSM& T Concert Choir and Master Chorale will be joined by the SDSM& T Alumni Choir to present their spring concert. Thirty former singers in SDSM& T choral groups will be returning to sing in the Saturday evening concert. The concert will be held at 7: 30 p. m. in the First Congregational Church, 1200 Clark Street. The program will feature music ranging from Gregorian chant to contemporary jazz Shakespeare settings to gospel and spiritual compositions.
The Concert Choir will open the concert with the Brahms motet “ Schaffe in mir, Gott”; and will then be joined by the Alumni Choir for Anton Bruckner's " Ave Maria". After a set of five more pieces by the Alumni Choir, the Master Chorale will sing a variety of music, including an arrangement of " When I Fall in Love". The Concert Choir will return with four jazz settings of Shakespeare texts and conclude with a rousing gospel called " Wake Up, Ollie Brown!".
SDSM& T TO HOST WEST RIVER MATH CONTEST APRIL 25
Several hundred students from area schools are expected to compete in the 48th Annual West River Math Contest on Saturday, April 25, at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The event will begin with a general meeting at 9: 30 a. m. in the New Gym, followed by testing sessions from 10: 00 to 11: 30 a. m. The awards ceremony will be held at 1: 00 p. m. in the Electrical Engineering/ Physics Building, Room 252.
The schools are divided into two classes based on enrollment. Students compete in five contest divisions. The divisions are separated according to subject matter and include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Advanced Math and Masters. Members of SDSM& T’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department prepare and score the tests.
The top five students in each division will be awarded medals and the overall winner in each division will receive a trophy. In addition an award will be given to the top school in each class. For additional information, contact Julie Dahl at 355- 3456 or leave a message at 394- 2471.
AEROSPACE IN THE CURRICULUM TEACHER WORKSHOP AT SDSM& T TO FEATURE NASA EDUCATION SPECIALIST/ REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 5TH
The “ Aerospace in the Curriculum” teacher workshop being held June 22- 26 at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology will feature NASA aerospace education specialist Pamela Christol. The workshop, which is sponsored by the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, designed for K- 12 teachers and youth organization personnel. The registration deadline is June 5th .
The weeklong workshop is designed to help teachers make learning an exciting adventure using state- of- the- art resources from NASA, including hands- on resources in math, science, and technology to meet educational standards. Teachers will model teaching methods, test laws of aerodynamics, build rockets, and develop projects and field trip resources to use with their students. Participants will receive a year’s supply of curriculum resources for their classes and will take part in field trips.
In addition to Pam Christol from NASA, other workshop presenters include officials from Hernandez Engineering Inc., a subcontractor for NASA’s Space Shuttle Earth Observation Program; Civil Air Patrol; and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The workshop can be taken for college credit through SDSM& T or Augustana College, certification renewal through the Rapid City or Sioux Falls School Boards or workshop non- college credit. The South Dakota Space Grant Consortium is offering up to four mini- grants for workshop tuition to Native American educators. To register or obtain additional information, contact Linda Allen, SDSGC Outreach Coordinator, at 394- 1975.
SDSM& T TO HOST ALL NATIONS ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION ENGINEERING ARTICULATION SUMMIT MAY 19- 20
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) will host the All Nations Alliance for Minority Participation ( ANAMP) Engineering Articulation Summit May 19 - 20, 1998, in Rapid City. The major goal of ANAMP, which is under the direction of Salish Kootenai College and is funded by the National Science Foundation, is to double the number of American Indians graduating with bachelor’s degrees in science, mathematics, engineering and technology in the nine- state area by the year 1999.
Of the more than 65,000 students graduating as engineers each year, less than 200 are American Indians. Officials from fifteen tribal and non- tribal colleges and universities from seven states are scheduled to participate in the summit and will work on developing pilot projects to help increase the numbers of American Indian students graduating as engineers. The development of articulation models can help meet that objective by making it easier for tribal college courses to transfer to engineering degree programs at other universities.
Engineering students traditionally have entered their discipline within colleges of engineering. However, an increasing number of students are entering higher education through the emerging network of tribal colleges, many of whom have or are considering pre- engineering programs. Those students would benefit if tribal college courses of study could better articulate to fulfill the requirements for engineering degree programs.
“ We at South Dakota Tech are very excited about this summit and look forward to the continued development of partnerships with our colleagues at tribal colleges,” said Dr. Richard Gowen, SDSM& T President. “ American Indian students are the true beneficiaries of these agreements, because they can begin their education at tribal colleges knowing that their credits will transfer to institutions with engineering degree programs.”
In addition to SDSM& T, institutions scheduled to participate in the ANAMP Summit include Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Fort Totten ND; Cheyenne River Community College, Eagle Butte SD; Fort Peck Community College, Poplar MT; Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste Marie MI; Leech Lake Tribal College, Cass Lake MN; North Dakota State University, Fargo ND; Salish Kootenai College, Pablo MT; Sitting Bull College, Fort Yates ND; South Dakota State University; Turtle Mountain Community College, Belcourt ND; University of Minnesota- Duluth, Duluth MN; University of Washington, Seattle; and Wayne State College, Wayne NE.
SDSM& T MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY UNVEILS CAMPTOSAUR DURING THE JOURNEY MUSEUM’S 1ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
To help The Journey Museum celebrate its first birthday, SDSM& T Museum of Geology officials unveiled a new Camptosaurus exhibit at The Journey today. The life- size cast of Camptosaurus will be on display at The Journey until an exhibit featuring Allosaurus is completed. The Camptosaurus and the subsequent Allosaurus displays will be an important addition to the SDSM& T Museum of Geology’s major exhibit at The Journey. The unveiling of the camptosaur is part of SDSM& T’s efforts to develop exhibits that will increase the presence of dinosaurs at The Journey Museum and help TheJourney respond to the public’s interest in dinosaurs.
" These new dinosaur exhibits offer exciting educational outreach opportunities to introduce children to science at an early age,” said Dr. Richard Gowen, SDSM& T President.
“ The Camptosaurus is a terrific addition to The Journey Museum— what a great way to celebrate our first birthday!” said Lynda Clark, Executive Director. “ We really appreciate Dr. Gowen’s efforts to secure dinosaurs for our Museum of Geology exhibit area.” Clark said the addition of Camptosaurus is part of The Journey Museum’s plan to continually upgrade its exhibits and programming.
Camptosaurus, which means flexible or bent lizard, was a plant- eating dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period. Camptosaurs were about twenty feet long as adults, with the tail comprising approximately half of the length. Camptosaurus, which was about six to eight feet tall, has been found in western and upper Great Plains region of the United States. Camptosaurus may have fallen prey to Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus.
SDSM& T Museum of Geology paleontologists will be working over the next several months on preparing the skeletal casts for display. Upon completion, SDSM& T will place a full- size Allosaurus as part of a long- term commitment to bring more skeletal exhibits to The Journey. Allosaurus, which means strange lizard, was a flesh- eating dinosaur from the Jurassic age ( 150 million years ago). Allosaurs were approximately 36 feet long and walked semi- upright on their hind legs. The teeth of Allosaurus are somewhat knife- like in contrast to the rounder teeth in its younger relative, Tyrannosaurus rex.
Approximately eighty third graders from Rapid City and Philip participated in the unveiling event, which included birthday cake— complete with dinosaurs!
SDSM& T TO HOLD 137TH COMMENCEMENT THIS SATURDAY, MAY 9 /
CATERPILLAR EXECUTIVE TO DELIVER COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) will hold its 137th commencement this Saturday, May 9. The ceremony begins at 10: 00 a. m. in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena. Approximately 195 undergraduate and 38 graduate students are candidates for degrees, including Michael J. Moran of Sioux Falls, a Ph. D. degree candidate in Geological Engineering.
Jim Lang, a Metallurgical Engineering major from Sioux Falls, will give the senior class message. He is the son of Jim and Kathy Lang. His campus activities have included Student Senate, Singing Engineers, Master Chorale, Triangle Fraternity, M- Week Committee, United Campus Ministries, and Head Start volunteer.
Mr. James E. Despain, Vice President of Caterpillar, Inc.’ s Track- Type Tractors Division, Peoria, Illinois, will deliver the commencement address. An Honorary Doctorate of Industrial Management degree will be conferred on Mr. Despain during the ceremony.
Despain���s career with Caterpillar spans four decades, from the 1950’ s to the 1990’ s.
Joining the company as a machine operator and later becoming machine shop foreman, Despain has served the company in a variety of management positions. He also has had extensive international business experience as director of Caterpillar’s joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan and as president of a Caterpillar subsidiary in Mexico.
As a member of SDSM& T’s Academic Advisory Council, Despain offers guidance on how the institution can best provide its students with the skills and knowledge to compete in today’s global economy. His management style emphasizes values and people. He describes the achievement of business objectives as “ the result of an empowered, values- driven work force that is motivated to succeed.”
“ People are our competitive advantage,” says Despain. “ We work together as a single world- class team, where each has a strong desire to contribute and where decisions and behavior consistent with our Common Values are recognized and rewarded.” These Common Values include trust, mutual respect, teamwork, empowerment, risk taking, sense of urgency, continuous improvement, commitment and customer satisfaction.
The 1998 Guy E. March Silver Medal, SDSM& T’s highest alumni award that recognizes outstanding professional achievement, will be presented to Dr. Maurice Fuerstenau. After graduating from SDSM& T in 1955 with a B. S. degree in Geological Engineering, he earned M. S. and Ph. D. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT).
In 1970 Dr. Fuerstenau was named Professor and Head of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a position he held for the next seventeen years. One of his most notable achievements in education was the revitalization of SDSM& T’s Department of Metallurgical Engineering into one of the best undergraduate departments in that discipline in the nation. In 1988 he accepted a position at the University of Nevada, Reno as Echo Bay Mines Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, a position that he currently holds.
During the ceremony, Dr. Gowen also will present 50- Year Graduate Certificates to the returning members of the Class of 1948. On Friday, May 8, SDSM& T President and Mrs. Richard Gowen will host a reception for the graduates and their families from 3: 00 to 4: 30 p. m. in the Surbeck Center Ballroom. SDSM& T AND AMERICAN STATE BANK TO COSPONSOR DAKOTA CHORAL UNION SPRING CONCERT ON MAY 9
The Dakota Choral Union ( DCU) will present a multi- media spring concert entitled “ Visions of Venice” on Friday, May 8, 1998. Sponsored by the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and American State Bank, the concert will be held at 7: 30 p. m. in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theater.
The concert will feature a “ surround sound expierience” of Baroque choral music of Renaissance composers such as Gabrieli, Schutz, and J. S. Bach, along with visual imagery of Venice, Italy. To achieve polychoral, or multiple choir, sound the large DCU choir will be divided into a number of smaller choirs and joined by small instrumental groups from different locations within the theater.
Stevens High School senior Lisa Schaible, winner of the Young Vocal Artist Competition, will be joining the DCU. The Dakota Choral Union is directed by Dr. James Feiszli, SDSM& T Professor of Music and Director of Music Activities. DCU is a community choir of non- auditioned singers from around the Black Hills and also is the official chorus of the Black Hills Symphony.
DIG FOR DINOSAURS THIS SUMMER WITH SDSM& T MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY
Individuals interested in digging for dinosaurs have the opportunity to do so this summer with the SDSM& T Museum of Geology. Paleontologists from the Museum of Geology will be leading several field expeditions this summer to important paleontological sites in the Black Hills, western South Dakota, and along the Missouri River.
The public can register to take part in these digs on a limited, space- available basis. Participants will work in small groups with the involved paleontologists. The field digs also can be taken for academic credit. Each summer individuals from around the country travel to South Dakota to participate in field digs with SDSM& T’s paleontologists who are known nationally and internationally for their expertise.
Officials from the SDSM& T Museum of Geology will be conducting scientific excavations for Jurassic dinosaurs and mammals; Late Cretaceous dinosaurs; Miocene vertebrate mammals; Late Cretaceous marine turtles, mosasaurs, and plesiosaurs; giant pigs and rhinos in Badlands National Park; Pleistocene mammals, fish and birds; and many other fossils.
The dates, locations and brief descriptions of the various field paleo digs offered this summer by the Museum of Geology are as follows:
June 15 - 26 Late Cretaceous Dinosaurs and other vertebrates from northwestern South Dakota ( Drs. James Martin and Bruce Schumacher)
June 15 - 26 Giant Pigs and Rhinos in Badlands National Park - excavate a tangle of Archaeotherium and Subhyracodon in the classic White River Badlands ( Carrie L. Herbel)
July 6 - 17 Miocene Vertebrates of Flint Hill, a generous mixture of large and small
mammals in Bennett County, South Dakota ( Carrie L. Herbel)
July 6 - 17 Jurassic Dinosaurs and Mammals I near Sundance, Wyoming. The “ found” world of Camarasaurus and Allosaurus and tiny primitive mammals are present at this exciting locality. ( Dr. James Martin)
July 20 - 31 Jurassic Dinosaurs and Mammals II, the second excavation session at this important paleontological site described above ( Dr. James Martin)
August 3 - 14 Marine Turtles, Mosasaurs, and Plesiosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Excavations along the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota ( Drs. Gorden Bell, James Martin and David Parris) A follow up session August 17 - 28 is also available. August 17 - 28 The Unwily Coyote Site, a series of fissure and cave deposits in the northern Black Hills that is producing camels, coyotes and a diverse assemblage of tiny vertebrates. The setting is especially conducive for field work. ( Dr. Philip Bjork)
Individuals interested in obtaining additional information about participating in the field digs can call ( 605) 394- 2467 or ( 800) 544- 8162/ ext. 2467; email pbjork@ msmail. gw. mail. sdsmt. edu.
SDSM& T WINS HARDWARE DESIGN AND STUDENT PAPER CONTESTS AT IEEE REGIONAL CONFERENCE / ROBOTICS TEAM 1 OF ONLY 6 TO QUALIFY
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) won both the hardware design and the student paper contests at the recent Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) Region 5 Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Electrical engineering major Ed Fetzer and computer engineering major Toby Foss of Rapid City took first place in the IEEE Hardware Design Contest. They competed against 22 universities including Texas A& M, Texas Tech, and the U. S. Air Force Academy in the contest requiring the letters “ IEEE” to be displayed on an oscilloscope with a blank between each letter.
Angie Monheim, a senior electrical engineering major from Rapid City, won first place in the Student Paper Contest that emphasizes the importance of writing and speaking skills for engineers. Her paper was entitled “ Holographic Data Storage.” Monheim was one of only twelve students in the region selected to give an oral presentation of the technical written papers submitted for the contest.
SDSM& T was one of only six university teams whose student- designed robot qualified in IEEE’s new Robotics Contest. The contest required student- designed robots to maneuver through a scaled- down house, find the room in which a candle is burning, extinguish the candle and then return to home base without touching any of the maze walls. South Dakota Tech’s robotics team members are Karl Hiramoto, computer engineering, Arlington; Angie Monheim, electrical engineering, Rapid City; and Marijane White, computer engineering, Fort Wayne, IN. Rich Ivey, a computer science major from Sioux Falls, provided programming assistance for the robot. In addition to SDSM& T, the twelve university teams competing in the robotics contest included Louisiana State University, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Texas Tech ( 2 robots), University of Missouri - Rolla, University of New Orleans, University of Southern Colorado, University of Southwestern Louisiana - Parks, University of Southwestern Louisiana, University of Texas - Austin and Wichita State University.
Dr. Neil Chamberlain, SDSM& T Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, serves as faculty advisor to the IEEE Student Chapter. The IEEE Region 5 includes Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and parts of Arkansas, Illinois, New Mexico, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
SDSM& T STUDENTS C0MPETING IN NATIONAL MINI- INDY COMPETITION MAY 27- 31
An interdisciplinary student team from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology traveled to Michigan this week to compete in the 1998 National Mini- Indy competition. The event runs May 27- 31 in the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. Teams from 110 universities throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are registered to compete in this year’s Mini- Indy event.
The annual intercollegiate competition is organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers ( SAE) with major corporate sponsorship by Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. The focus of Mini- Indy is not simply on who can build the fastest car but rather on the use of engineering skills, financial know- how, and creativity. The competition’s primary objectives are to provide students with a “ real- world” project experience in their engineering program, to prepare engineers for the auto industry, and to bring new ideas on safety, economy and performance into automobiles. Vehicles are judged in three categories— static inspection and engineering design, solo performance trials, and high performance track endurance.
This is SDSM& T’s third year of entering a vehicle in the Mini- Indy competition in which students design, fabricate and compete with small formula- style race cars. SDSM& T’s interdisciplinary team is comprised of mechanical, industrial, computer and electrical engineering majors.
Last year SDSM& T had the fastest carbureted car in the endurance- economy event and placed 24th overall out of 96 entries. SDSM& T was one of only 21 teams to be awarded a “ Distinguished Achievement” Achievement for earning points in every competition event.
SDSM& T HANDS- ON MUSEUM IN MOTION WILL OPEN MAY 15TH FOR SUMMER
The SDSM& T Museum in Motion, a hands- on museum for children, will open for the summer on Friday, May 15th. Hours are 9: 00 a. m. to 4: 00 p. m. Monday through Saturday through Labor Day. The museum is located on the main floor of the Old Gym ( directly east of the Museum of Geology) on the Tech campus.
Museum in Motion provides hands- on experiences in science and engineering for children of all ages, including many adults who enjoy the exhibits. The museum’s exhibits explain some of the laws of nature and basic principles of science. Visitors can learn while they play as they blow six- foot bubbles, stand inside a giant bubble machine, build and walk across an arch bridge, see themselves in a giant kaleidoscope, operate a large sand pendulum, and design patterns with a giant harmonograph that generates 3- D drawings. Other exhibits allow visitors to take apart old telephones, toasters, answering machines and other devices to explore what is inside them. Another popular exhibit is the simulated paleontology dig that provides an opportunity to dig for fossil casts embedded in sand. Assembled by the SDSM& T Museum of Geology, the simulated dig includes fossil casts from four geological ages that commonly yield fossils in the Black Hills area.
Field trips by school classes and day care centers are encouraged. Admission is $ 2 per person or $ 10 for a family pass. Educator passes are available for $ 25. For additional information or to schedule a field trip, call SDSM& T University & Public Relations at 394- 2554 or 1- 800- 544- 8162.
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS AND OTHER SPECIAL ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR
MUSEUM IN MOTION DURING JUNE
Magic School Bus and other special activities are scheduled at the SDSM& T hands- on children’s Museum in Motion during June. The activities will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10: 00 - 11: 00 a. m. and cost $ 5 per session.
The special programs being offered in June include the following:
June 1- 6: Dinosaur Week ~ Magic School Bus Dinosaur Class Busasaurus
June 8- 13: Recycling ~ Paper Making
June 15- 20: Geometry ~ Magic School Bus “ Under Construction/ Hands- on Geometry”
June 22- 26: Weather ~ Magic School Bus “ Kicks Up a Storm”
June 29- July 4: Sounds & Color ~ Make Your Own Noisemakers
The Museum features many hands- on science and engineering exhibits designed to make learning fun. Some new optical illusion exhibits are being added this summer to the Museum. Exhibits include a six- foot bubble machine, a giant kaleidoscope, a sand pendulum, and a large harmonograph that generates 3- D drawings.
The Museum in Motion is located in the Old Gym ( next to the Museum of Geology) on the South Dakota Tech campus. Hours are 9: 00 a. m. to 4: 00 p. m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $ 2 per person or $ 10 maximum for a family. Non- profit organization and child care provider rates are $ 25 ( or $ 1/ person for groups larger than 25). For additional information or to register for any of the special programs, call 394- 6996.
SDSM& T PROFESSORS AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT
The National Science Foundation recently awarded a $ 150,000 educational grant to Drs. Larry Bauer, David Dixon and Jan Puszynski, SDSM& T Professors of Chemical Engineering. The four- year project focuses on integrating chemical process design, state- of- the- art computer simulation, and optimization in chemical engineering courses from the freshman through senior years. Providing outreach to regional high school students and underrepresented groups, particularly Native American students, is an integral part of the project.
Vertical integration is a novel way to structure engineering curriculum. The project is expected to enhance the students’ understanding of course material by providing the “ big picture” early in their college education by demonstrating the integrated nature of the topics. When fully implemented, the integrated curriculum will serve as a model for chemical engineering departments in other universities across the U. S.
Students will also benefit from the introduction of the AspenPlus commercial process simulation software early in the curriculum, which will greatly enhance their understanding of science and engineering topics. Students will be able to use this powerful software tool to model process equipment from single pumps to complex installations, such as the complete ethanol production facility in Aberdeen. Through the early integration of AspenPlus, chemical engineering students at SDSM& T will gain an expertise with the current design tool used by many major industrial firms, such as Dow Chemical Company and Cargill.
In recognition of his accomplishments in teaching AspenPlus, Dr. Jan Puszynski was one of only two university professors in the world to receive the University Excellence Award in 1996 from Aspen Technologies, Inc.
Accomplishments from this NSF- sponsored project will be shared with other engineering departments in the U. S. and other countries around the world through publications, national presentations, and an active World Wide Web site. During the first stage of the project being conducted this summer, four undergraduate chemical engineering students at SDSM& T will be working with the professors to develop design projects and instructional examples. The students are Melissa Gage, senior, Brandon; Patrick Hallan, junior, Midland; James Lang, junior, Weston, FL; and Kate Staufacker, freshman, Rapid City.
SDSM& T PROFESSOR OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING TO RETIRE AFTER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Dr. Albert Louis Riemenschneider, SDSM& T Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is retiring after twenty- five years of service as an SDSM& T faculty member. He was instrumental in the development of computer laboratories and the establishment of the Computer Engineering program at SDSM& T.
A native of northwestern Nebraska, Dr. Riemenschneider also is an SDSM& T alumnus. Graduating from SDSM& T with a B. S. degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959, he went to work for Sperry Utah Company in Salt Lake City as a systems engineer for the Sergeant Missile Ground Electronics System. After earning his M. S. degree in Electrical Engineering from SDSM& T in 1962, he served as an instructor of electrical engineering at the University of Wyoming and received his Ph. D. degree from that institution.
Dr. Riemenschneider returned to SDSM& T in 1967 as an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, serving in that capacity and later as Associate Professor until 1974. He then joined Dunham Associates, a consulting engineering firm, as Chief Project Engineer and later was named Vice President and Chief Engineer for Symcom, Inc., a totally owned startup company under Dunham Associates. Dr. Riemenschneider returned to SDSM& T as Associate Professor in 1980, was promoted to full Professor in 1983, and served as Chair of the SDSM& T Electrical Engineering Department until 1995. He spent the 1995- 1996 year on sabbatical consulting for Gateway 2000 on an education/ training program. Dr. Riemenschneider has been a strong advocate for the use of computers as a tool in engineering education and practice.
SDSM& T FINANCIAL AID DIRECTOR SHARON COLOMBE RECEIVES AWARD FROM SOUTH DAKOTA COUNSELING ASSOCIATION
Sharon Colombe, SDSM& T Director of Financial Aid, received the Marvin Kemp Award from the South Dakota Counseling Association ( SDCA) during the SDCA’s recent annual convention in Aberdeen. The Marvin Kemp Award, which is SDCA’s top honor, was established in 1961 to recognize outstanding service to the counseling profession. The award is given only to an individual who has contributed to the counseling profession and SDCA for at least ten years, is active in the community as a civic leader/ volunteer, and displays continued professional growth.
Sharon Colombe has been a member of SDCA since 1970 and has served as SDSM& T Director of Financial Aid since 1987. “ Any time you work in education, you have to come from a counseling viewpoint,” says Sharon Colombe. “ It’s always important to remember that we are dealing with individual people.” The South Dakota Counseling Association previously honored Sharon with its Mary Lark Humanitarian Award in 1987 and the C. J. Peterson, Jr., Memorial Award in 1976.
WALL STUDENT NAMES SDSM& T’S NEXT SOLAR CAR / SOLAR TEAM TO VISIT WALL SCHOOL FRIDAY, MAY 8
Students from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T) Solar Motion Team will bring their solar- powered car to Wall this Friday, May 8th, at 8: 20 a. m. to recognize Kimberly Davis for submitting the name selected for SDSM& T’s next solar car. Kimberly, a sophomore at Wall High School, submitted Dakota Heat as the name for the solar car that SDSM& T will race in the Sunrayce ’ 99 competition. Her winning entry in the “ Name the Solar Car Contest” was selected from hundreds of names submitted by elementary through high school students from across South Dakota.
South Dakota Tech’s solar team will make a presentation about the design and use of solar- powered vehicles to the entire Wall student body. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions of the solar car team and view SDSM& T’s solar- car. Ken Harding of Newell, a Mechanical Engineering major who competed in Sunrayce ‘ 97, will lead the student team members visiting Wall.
SDSM& T’s Sunrayce ’ 97 car, Dakota Sun, was named by a Brookings Middle School Class. SDSM& T’s solar car was one of only 35 vehicles that completed last summer’s 1,240 mile race from Indianapolis to Colorado Springs. SDSM& T is the only university in an 11- state region ( Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) that entered a vehicle in Sunrayce ’ 97. The team won the “ Team Spirit Award” for its persistence and “ never give up” attitude.
Stagebarn Canyon Elementary School’s fourth grade class in Sturgis named SDSM& T’s first solar car, Solar Rolar. The highest placing rookie team in Sunrayce ’ 95, SDSM& T won the Best Use of Technology Award and the Humanitarian Award.
The solar car is being brought to Wall as part of the SDSM& T Solar Motion Team’s educational outreach activities to area schools. Educators interested in information on arranging school visits next fall by the SDSM& T Solar Motion Team should contact Ken Harding at 394- 2213.
SDSM& T SUMMER COURSES OFFER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS A HEAD START ON COLLEGE / TEACHER WORKSHOPS ALSO OFFERED
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) is offering several courses this summer of interest to K- 12 teachers and high school students wanting to get a head start on college.
Courses of interest to high school students entering college include:
Freshman Composition 1 ( ENGL 101): A practical writing course emphasizing basic language conventions, style, and the organization and development of expository prose.
Dates: June 8- July 31 ( 3 credits).
Introduction to Sociology ( SOC 100): Fundamental characteristics of social relationships, culture, personality, population and ecology, social institutions and processes, and cultural change. Dates: June 8 - July 3 ( 3 credits).
College Algebra ( MATH 1021, 1022, 1023): The completion of these three one- credit mini- credit courses in College Algebra is the equivalent of a traditional course in College Algebra. The courses are offered through the PRIME ( Personalized Resources for Individualized Math Education) program. For additional information, contact SDSM& T Math & Computer Science Dept. at 394- 2471. Dates: June 8- July 31 ( 1 credit for each mini- course).
The workshops and summer courses for teachers, which can be taken for various credit
options, include the following:
Spreadsheets for Mathematics and Science Teachers: Participants will use Excel spreadsheets to solve computational mathematics problems ranging from systems of equations to data analysis to basic financial applications. Dates: June 17- 19 ( 1 credit).
Aerospace in the Curriculum: NASA and other aerospace/ aviation officials will present teachers with a variety of hands- on experiences, field trips and curriculum materials. Dates: June 22- 26 ( can be taken for college credit, certification renewal, or non- credit.)
Geology of the Black Hills ( GEOL 107): This 5- day course is a practical introduction to the principles of geology, with emphasis on the geological history and hazards of the Black Hills area. The entire course is taught outside on the outcrops with most of the major scenic attractions being visited and explained. Dates: June 15- 19 ( 1 credit or audit option).
Advanced Placement Institute for English Literature & Composition: The institute is designed to provide high school English teachers with the content, teaching approaches and information about the AP examinations needed to prepare their students to take the College Board AP examinations. Dates: June 22- 26 ( 2 graduate credits optional).
Minorities in Engineering/ National Science Foundation Summer Institutes: The course titles and dates of these two- week immersion workshops ( 3 credits each) are: Principles of Ecology ( June 8- 18); Special Topics in Humanities: Lakota & the Environment ( June 22- July 3); Special Topics in Civil Engineering: Environmental Engineering Water Quality ( June 22- July 3); Special Topics in Civil Engineering: Environmental Hydrology ( July 9- 22).
Summer Paleontology Field Digs: The Museum of Geology offers eight, two- week field dig sessions throughout the summer at important paleontological sites in the Black Hills region, western South Dakota and along the Missouri River. Participants will be in small groups working closely with Museum of Geology scientists. The dates of the various field digs are: Late Cretaceous Dinosaurs ( June 15- 26); Giant Pigs and Rhinos/ Badlands National Park ( June 15- 26); Miocene Vertebrates of Flint Hill ( July 5- 17); Jurassic Dinosaurs and Mammals ( July 6- 17, July 20- 31); Marine Turtles, Mosasaurs & Plesiosaurs/ Missouri River ( August 3- 14, August 17- 28); and Unwily Coyote Site/ Northern Black Hills ( August 17- 28).
SDSM& T STUDENTS INITIATED INTO TAU BETA PI ENGINEERING SOCIETY The South Dakota Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society, recently initiated 26 new members. Since SDSM& T’s Alpha Chapter was organized in 1974, 1,062 members have been initiated. To be eligible, students must be an engineering major and in the top 1/ 5 of the senior class or the top 1/ 8 of the junior class.
Newly initiated members, their engineering major and hometown are as follows:
Seniors: Fredrik Andersen, industrial, Norway; Kelly Brownell, industrial, Hutchinson MN; Michael Stonefelt, civil, Lead; Benjamin Torvund, civil, Norway.
Juniors: Anders Amundsen, metallurgical, Norway; Jonathan Busby, electrical, Yankton; Richardl Dahl, electrical, Norway; Jan- Erik Ekornes, mechanical, Norway; John Fiedler, mechanical, Glenham; Kelli Hoback, electrical, Box Elder; Jade Kizer, electrical, Rapid City; Cason Kolb, physics, Aberdeen; William Kroll, mechanical, Corbett OR; James Lang, chemical, Weston FL; Solveig Olsen, chemical, Norway; Adam Schiel, computer, Sidney NE; Bradley Schleeter, civil, Ham Lake MN; Benjamin Short, mechanical, Sturgis; Jan Stenstadvolden, electrical, Norway; Tormod Sveen, mechanical, Norway; Nathan Uhrig, chemical, Rock Springs WY; William Walters, electrical, LaCrescent MN; Trudi Wardle, geological, Green River WY.
Graduate Students: Jack Erickson, civil, Rapid City; and Keith Plavec, civil, Yankton.
To Be Initiated at a Later Date: Robert Lundgren, civil, Rapid City; Joyce Williamson, civil, Piedmont.
OVER 1,000 FOURTH- GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN 1998 WATER FESTIVAL AT SDSM& T
Over 1,000 fourth- graders are scheduled to participate in the 1998 Water Festival being hosted by the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) on Tuesday, May 12th. Water Festival activities begin at 8: 30 a. m. and run until 2: 00 p. m. This is the fourth year SDSM& T has hosted this environmental education program that is directed to fourth graders.
Forty- five fourth grade classes from nineteen area schools will participate in a Quiz Bowl and at least three 20- minute presentations related to some aspect of non- point pollution, water quality and other environmental issues. Schools from Box Elder, Black Hawk, Hermosa, Hot Springs, Piedmont, Porcupine, Rapid City and Sturgis will be participating.
Teams of 4th- graders will compete in a Quiz Bowl that will be held throughout the day in Room 204 of the Didier Education Center ( Classroom Building). Each 4th- grade class will receive a rain gauge for competing in Quiz Bowl. Students also will have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of fun hands- on activities, including stream gauging in Rapid Creek, water chemistry, water filtration, weather radar, weather forecasting, sand tank dye casting, and oil spill cleanup — to name just a few.

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Office of University Relations
SDSM& T News
501 E. St. Joseph Street • Rapid City, SD 57701- 3995
Phone: ( 605) 394- 6082/ 2554 • Fax: ( 605) 394- 6177
BOARD OF REGENTS SUMMARY
JUNE 2, 1998
SDSM& T FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $ 16 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
The SDSM& T Foundation announced the institution’s $ 16 million Capital Campaign - Vision 2000: Leadership for the Next Century today at a press conference followed by a National Launching Event this evening. The $ 16 million program has been implemented to help provide much needed support to the institution. The focus of the campaign includes $ 4 million in cash gifts to address immediate areas of need and $ 12 million in endowment gifts to provide continued annual support.
The announcement of the campaign represents the culmination of over three years of planning and implementation efforts. These efforts began with the prioritization of campus needs— namely support for student scholarships, faculty, program, laboratory and equipment. “ Additional support of these areas is critical if South Dakota Tech is to continue providing the best educational opportunities to students and faculty,” stated Dr. Richard Gowen, President of SDSM& T.
To measure the willingness of alumni, friends and corporations to support a potential capital campaign, a market feasibility study was conducted. Sixty meetings were held throughout the region and across the nation. Over 600 people attended these meetings and provided input that formed the basis for the final campaign goals. The responses from those attending were overwhelmingly positive. In fact, 91% of those responding indicated a willingness to financially support the proposed campaign. “ This incredible level of support shows the total commitment and dedication of our faculty and friends,” said Dr. Howard Peterson, Chairman of the SDSM& T Foundation Board and SDSM& T Dean of Students Emeritus.
To date 132 individuals have been recognized as National Leaders because of their commitment to the campaign. Included in this national leadership are 4 Honorary Chairs and 12 Endorsement Chairs. In addition, 34 National Co- Chairs ( gifting $ 100,000 or more), 28 National Cabinet ( gifting $ 25,000 or more), and 54 National Council ( gifting $ 10,000 or more) have agreed to support the campaign. These National Leaders represent many committed local alumni and friends of SDSM& T, as well as individuals from over 25 other states, who are willing to financially support the institution’s efforts.
Because of the tremendous commitment of these National Leaders, along with gifts from other alumni, friends and corporations, this first- ever Capital Campaign has raised $ 10,041,998 of the total goal to date. The Foundation hopes to achieve the ultimate goal of $ 16 million to coincide with the All Alumni Reunion scheduled for July, 2000.
SDSM& T AND WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO CO- HOST PROGRAM TO HELP SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS MAKE THE TRANSITION TO HIGHER EDUCATION
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T) and Western Dakota Technical Institute will co- host “ Catch the Wave!- A Program for Special Needs Students” on Friday, May 1st. The morning session ( 9: 00 a. m. - noon) will be held on the SDSM& T campus with the afternoon session ( 1: 30 - 4: 00 p. m.) held at Western Dakota Technical Institute.
“ This program will provide information about what students with disabilities need to make a successful transition to postsecondary education,” says Dr. Francine Campone, SDSM& T Associate Dean of Students. “ The sessions are designed to benefit high school students, especially sophomores, their families, high school counselors and educators.”
There is no charge to attend any of the sessions. However, pre- registration is requested and individuals are encouraged to attend both sessions in both locations. To register or request special accommodations, contact Francine Campone, SDSM& T Associate Dean of Students, at 394- 2416 or via e- mail at fcampone@ silver. sdsmt. edu.
SDSM& T LITTLE MINERS’ CHILD CARE CENTER CELEBRATES WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD WITH OPEN HOUSE AND WEATHER BALLOON LAUNCH ON APRIL 23
The Little Miners’ Clubhouse Child Care Center on the SDSM& T campus will celebrate the Week of the Young Child ( April 19- 25) with an open house and a special weather balloon launch on Thursday, April 23. The open house will be held from 9: 00 a. m. to noon. At 10: 00 a. m. the Little Miners’ children will help Dr. Douglas MacTaggart, SDSM& T Atmospheric Sciences Research Associate, launch a special tethered weather balloon on the O’Harra Stadium Field.
Operated under a partnership with the Rapid City YMCA, the Little Miners’ Clubhouse provides year- round licensed child care to the SDSM& T and Rapid City community. Services are available on a full- time, part- time and drop- in basis. Programs are offered for infant through pre- school age children. Many of the educational activities at the Little Miners’ Clubhouse, which opened in August 1996, emphasize skills that are important later for a child’s math and science development. Many of the hands- on activities help to interest the children in science and numbers.
SDSM& T TEAM WINS SALES PRESENTATION EVENT AT MINI- BAJA WEST COMPETITION / FINISHES 9TH OVERALL OUT OF 55 TEAMS
SDSM& T’s Mini- Baja team won the sales presentation event and finished 9th overall out of 55 teams in this year’s Mini- Baja West Competition. Forty- six universities from the U. S. and Mexico competed in the 1998 Mini- Baja West Competition held April 16- 18 at the University of Texas- El Paso.
Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers ( SAE), the intercollegiate Mini- Baja competition involves real- world engineering design projects in which each student team designs, builds, and races a four- wheeled, off- road recreation vehicle. The Briggs & Stratton Corporation donates an 8- horsepower engine for each team’s vehicle.
The Mini- Baja judges evaulate each team on standards of engineering design, technical inspection/ safety, sales presentation and cost analysis. In addition to acceleration/ braking, maneuverability, and hill climb events, the vehicles also compete in a 4- hour, off- road endurance race over rugged terrain to determine dependability.
" By winning the sales presentation event and earning a 9th - place overall finish, our Mini- Baja students demonstrated not only their engineering expertise but also their abilities to communicate effectively. These important qualities will help our students succeed in the workplace after they graduate," says Dr. Dan Dolan, SDSM& T Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mini- Baja team faculty advisor.
SDSM& T STUDENTS TO COMPETE WITH ROBOT IN IEEE REGIONAL ROBOTICS CONTEST
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T) students will compete with their student- designed robot in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) Region 5 Robotics Contest this weekend in Fort Worth, Texas. The contest requires student- designed robots to navigate through a maze to find the room in which a candle is burning, blow out the candle and then return to home base without touching any of the maze walls.
SDSM& T’s team members with their majors and hometowns are Karl Hiramoto, computer engineering, Arlington; Angie Monheim, electrical engineering, Rapid City; and Marijane White, Computer engineering, Fort Wayne, IN. Rich Ivey, a computer science major from Sioux Falls, provided assistance with programming the robot.
In addition to SDSM& T, the eleven universities scheduled to compete in this new IEEE contest include the Louisiana State University, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Texas Technological University ( 2 robots), University of Missouri - Rolla, University of New Orleans, University of Southern Colorado, University of Southwestern Louisiana - Parks, University of Southwestern Louisiana, University of Texas - Austin and Wichita State University.
283 STUDENTS FROM 12 AREA SCHOOLS COMPETE IN 1998 SDSM& T SCIENCE CONTEST
Twelve area high schools and 283 students competed in the 1998 SDSM& T Science Contest held April 16th on the South Dakota Tech campus. Students from Custer, Douglas, Edgemont, Hot Springs, Kadoka, Lead, Newell, Philip, Rapid City Central, Rapid City Stevens, and St. Thomas More High Schools competed in the contest. The students took examinations in the areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
In Division I Schools ( 500+ students), Rapid City Stevens High School won the traveling team trophy in all three categories of competition -- biology, chemistry, and physics. This is the fifth straight year Rapid City Stevens has won the chemistry trophy. Because only one team entered the Division I earth science category this year, no traveling trophy was presented.
In Division II Schools ( less than 500 students), Newell High School took home the traveling team trophies for biology and earth science. St. Thomas More won the chemistry traveling team trophy in chemistry, with Custer High School taking home the physics team trophy.
OVER 70 STUDENT PROJECTS FEATURED AT 2ND ANNUAL SDSM& T SENIOR DESIGN FAIR
Over 70 senior capstone projects from the various fields of engineering and computer science were featured in SDSM& T’s 2nd Annual Senior Design Fair held today on the South Dakota Tech campus. The campus- wide celebration of the design method showcased senior design projects from over 170 students in the following departments: Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Mining Engineering. Some of the projects were externally sponsored by private industry and government agencies.
A sample of the projects that were displayed at the Design Fair included: Robotic Tennis Ball Retriever, Fire Fighting Robot, Head- Tracking Computer Interfacing Device, Battery Powered Railgun, Concrete Canoe, Sanitary Garage Door Opener, Design and Construction of a Portable Wind Tunnel, Flake Removers: Remote Control Snowblowers, Squeak: An Internet Game, SPG Tournament Scheduler, Hotel Reservation System, Extending the Life of a Surgical Knife, Recovery of Platinum from Spent Automotive Catalytic Converters, Inventory Control System at Perdue Woodworks, Methyl- Tert- Butyl Ether Plant, Automation of a Membrane Separator, Virtual Mine, and the Mini- Indy, Mini- Baja and Sunrayce Solar Racing Vehicles.
“ The design method is an essential part of technology in which the creative process is used to develop a product or process to address an identified need,��� said Dr. Christopher Jenkins, SDSM& T Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Coordinator of the Senior Design Fair. “ This event provides an excellent opportunity for the general public, particularly junior high and senior high school students, to see the results when South Dakota Tech students apply the creative process in engineering and science projects.”
NASA’S HIGHEST RANKING NATIVE AMERICAN TO SPEAK AT SOUTH DAKOTA SPACE DAY
David Weston, the highest ranking Native American in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA), will participate in the 4th Annual South Dakota Space Day being held Friday, April 24, in Pierre. Weston is scheduled from 8: 30- 11: 30 a. m. for informal talks with students attending Space Day activities in the Discovery Center in Pierre. He also will speak to Pierre area schools on April 23.
In June 1996 David Weston delivered the commencement address to the first graduating class of Native American pre- college students participating in the NASA- supported Scientific Knowledge for Indian Learning & Leadership ( SKILL) Honors Program at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T). Weston attended an October 1996 White House ceremony where SDSM& T officials and SKILL students presented President Clinton with the first copy of local Oglala Lakota artist Don Montileaux’s painting entitled “ Looking Beyond One’s Self”— the first painting to have flown on a NASA space shuttle. Last year Weston visited Oglala Lakota College ( OLC) as part of a NASA survey team to determine what assistance NASA could provide to expand opportunities for Native Americans to pursue careers in math and science.
Space Day is an outreach education project sponsored by the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium ( SDSGC), supported in part by a grant from NASA. SDSGC Outreach Coordinator Linda Allen, who is based on the SDSM& T campus, serves as general chair of Space Day. SDSU’s Space Grant Office and the Discovery Center are cohosting this year’s Space Day activities. SDSGC members include the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T), South Dakota State University, Augustana College, and the EROS Data Center. Dr. Sherry Farwell, SDSM& T Dean of Graduate Education and Sponsored Programs, is the director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium. For additional information, contact Linda Allen, 394- 1975.
SDSM& T OFFERS FREE BAND AND CHORAL CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) will hold its Spring Band and Spring Choral Concerts this weekend. Both concerts are free and open to the public. SDSM& T’s Symphonic and Jazz Band, under the direction of Milo Winter, will hold its Spring Concert at 7: 30 p. m., Friday, May 1, in the Surbeck Center Ballroom. The program will feature music based on folk songs of America, the United Kingdom, and Africa; plus guest vocal soloist Dr. James Feiszli singing Verdi's “ Nessun Dorma”, an aria from the opera Turandot.
The Tech Jazz Band will open the concert with selections ranging from blues to salsa to Basie- style swing in traditional big- band style. Included in the Symphonic Band's portion of the program will be “ Folk Song Suite” by Vaughan Williams, “ Chorale and Alleluia” by Howard Hanson, and “ Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual” by Robert Smith. A Dixie Combo will join with the band in a medley of Dixieland favorites.
On Saturday, May 2, the SDSM& T Concert Choir and Master Chorale will be joined by the SDSM& T Alumni Choir to present their spring concert. Thirty former singers in SDSM& T choral groups will be returning to sing in the Saturday evening concert. The concert will be held at 7: 30 p. m. in the First Congregational Church, 1200 Clark Street. The program will feature music ranging from Gregorian chant to contemporary jazz Shakespeare settings to gospel and spiritual compositions.
The Concert Choir will open the concert with the Brahms motet “ Schaffe in mir, Gott”; and will then be joined by the Alumni Choir for Anton Bruckner's " Ave Maria". After a set of five more pieces by the Alumni Choir, the Master Chorale will sing a variety of music, including an arrangement of " When I Fall in Love". The Concert Choir will return with four jazz settings of Shakespeare texts and conclude with a rousing gospel called " Wake Up, Ollie Brown!".
SDSM& T TO HOST WEST RIVER MATH CONTEST APRIL 25
Several hundred students from area schools are expected to compete in the 48th Annual West River Math Contest on Saturday, April 25, at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The event will begin with a general meeting at 9: 30 a. m. in the New Gym, followed by testing sessions from 10: 00 to 11: 30 a. m. The awards ceremony will be held at 1: 00 p. m. in the Electrical Engineering/ Physics Building, Room 252.
The schools are divided into two classes based on enrollment. Students compete in five contest divisions. The divisions are separated according to subject matter and include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Advanced Math and Masters. Members of SDSM& T’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department prepare and score the tests.
The top five students in each division will be awarded medals and the overall winner in each division will receive a trophy. In addition an award will be given to the top school in each class. For additional information, contact Julie Dahl at 355- 3456 or leave a message at 394- 2471.
AEROSPACE IN THE CURRICULUM TEACHER WORKSHOP AT SDSM& T TO FEATURE NASA EDUCATION SPECIALIST/ REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 5TH
The “ Aerospace in the Curriculum” teacher workshop being held June 22- 26 at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology will feature NASA aerospace education specialist Pamela Christol. The workshop, which is sponsored by the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, designed for K- 12 teachers and youth organization personnel. The registration deadline is June 5th .
The weeklong workshop is designed to help teachers make learning an exciting adventure using state- of- the- art resources from NASA, including hands- on resources in math, science, and technology to meet educational standards. Teachers will model teaching methods, test laws of aerodynamics, build rockets, and develop projects and field trip resources to use with their students. Participants will receive a year’s supply of curriculum resources for their classes and will take part in field trips.
In addition to Pam Christol from NASA, other workshop presenters include officials from Hernandez Engineering Inc., a subcontractor for NASA’s Space Shuttle Earth Observation Program; Civil Air Patrol; and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The workshop can be taken for college credit through SDSM& T or Augustana College, certification renewal through the Rapid City or Sioux Falls School Boards or workshop non- college credit. The South Dakota Space Grant Consortium is offering up to four mini- grants for workshop tuition to Native American educators. To register or obtain additional information, contact Linda Allen, SDSGC Outreach Coordinator, at 394- 1975.
SDSM& T TO HOST ALL NATIONS ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION ENGINEERING ARTICULATION SUMMIT MAY 19- 20
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) will host the All Nations Alliance for Minority Participation ( ANAMP) Engineering Articulation Summit May 19 - 20, 1998, in Rapid City. The major goal of ANAMP, which is under the direction of Salish Kootenai College and is funded by the National Science Foundation, is to double the number of American Indians graduating with bachelor’s degrees in science, mathematics, engineering and technology in the nine- state area by the year 1999.
Of the more than 65,000 students graduating as engineers each year, less than 200 are American Indians. Officials from fifteen tribal and non- tribal colleges and universities from seven states are scheduled to participate in the summit and will work on developing pilot projects to help increase the numbers of American Indian students graduating as engineers. The development of articulation models can help meet that objective by making it easier for tribal college courses to transfer to engineering degree programs at other universities.
Engineering students traditionally have entered their discipline within colleges of engineering. However, an increasing number of students are entering higher education through the emerging network of tribal colleges, many of whom have or are considering pre- engineering programs. Those students would benefit if tribal college courses of study could better articulate to fulfill the requirements for engineering degree programs.
“ We at South Dakota Tech are very excited about this summit and look forward to the continued development of partnerships with our colleagues at tribal colleges,” said Dr. Richard Gowen, SDSM& T President. “ American Indian students are the true beneficiaries of these agreements, because they can begin their education at tribal colleges knowing that their credits will transfer to institutions with engineering degree programs.”
In addition to SDSM& T, institutions scheduled to participate in the ANAMP Summit include Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Fort Totten ND; Cheyenne River Community College, Eagle Butte SD; Fort Peck Community College, Poplar MT; Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste Marie MI; Leech Lake Tribal College, Cass Lake MN; North Dakota State University, Fargo ND; Salish Kootenai College, Pablo MT; Sitting Bull College, Fort Yates ND; South Dakota State University; Turtle Mountain Community College, Belcourt ND; University of Minnesota- Duluth, Duluth MN; University of Washington, Seattle; and Wayne State College, Wayne NE.
SDSM& T MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY UNVEILS CAMPTOSAUR DURING THE JOURNEY MUSEUM’S 1ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
To help The Journey Museum celebrate its first birthday, SDSM& T Museum of Geology officials unveiled a new Camptosaurus exhibit at The Journey today. The life- size cast of Camptosaurus will be on display at The Journey until an exhibit featuring Allosaurus is completed. The Camptosaurus and the subsequent Allosaurus displays will be an important addition to the SDSM& T Museum of Geology’s major exhibit at The Journey. The unveiling of the camptosaur is part of SDSM& T’s efforts to develop exhibits that will increase the presence of dinosaurs at The Journey Museum and help TheJourney respond to the public’s interest in dinosaurs.
" These new dinosaur exhibits offer exciting educational outreach opportunities to introduce children to science at an early age,” said Dr. Richard Gowen, SDSM& T President.
“ The Camptosaurus is a terrific addition to The Journey Museum— what a great way to celebrate our first birthday!” said Lynda Clark, Executive Director. “ We really appreciate Dr. Gowen’s efforts to secure dinosaurs for our Museum of Geology exhibit area.” Clark said the addition of Camptosaurus is part of The Journey Museum’s plan to continually upgrade its exhibits and programming.
Camptosaurus, which means flexible or bent lizard, was a plant- eating dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period. Camptosaurs were about twenty feet long as adults, with the tail comprising approximately half of the length. Camptosaurus, which was about six to eight feet tall, has been found in western and upper Great Plains region of the United States. Camptosaurus may have fallen prey to Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus.
SDSM& T Museum of Geology paleontologists will be working over the next several months on preparing the skeletal casts for display. Upon completion, SDSM& T will place a full- size Allosaurus as part of a long- term commitment to bring more skeletal exhibits to The Journey. Allosaurus, which means strange lizard, was a flesh- eating dinosaur from the Jurassic age ( 150 million years ago). Allosaurs were approximately 36 feet long and walked semi- upright on their hind legs. The teeth of Allosaurus are somewhat knife- like in contrast to the rounder teeth in its younger relative, Tyrannosaurus rex.
Approximately eighty third graders from Rapid City and Philip participated in the unveiling event, which included birthday cake— complete with dinosaurs!
SDSM& T TO HOLD 137TH COMMENCEMENT THIS SATURDAY, MAY 9 /
CATERPILLAR EXECUTIVE TO DELIVER COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) will hold its 137th commencement this Saturday, May 9. The ceremony begins at 10: 00 a. m. in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena. Approximately 195 undergraduate and 38 graduate students are candidates for degrees, including Michael J. Moran of Sioux Falls, a Ph. D. degree candidate in Geological Engineering.
Jim Lang, a Metallurgical Engineering major from Sioux Falls, will give the senior class message. He is the son of Jim and Kathy Lang. His campus activities have included Student Senate, Singing Engineers, Master Chorale, Triangle Fraternity, M- Week Committee, United Campus Ministries, and Head Start volunteer.
Mr. James E. Despain, Vice President of Caterpillar, Inc.’ s Track- Type Tractors Division, Peoria, Illinois, will deliver the commencement address. An Honorary Doctorate of Industrial Management degree will be conferred on Mr. Despain during the ceremony.
Despain���s career with Caterpillar spans four decades, from the 1950’ s to the 1990’ s.
Joining the company as a machine operator and later becoming machine shop foreman, Despain has served the company in a variety of management positions. He also has had extensive international business experience as director of Caterpillar’s joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan and as president of a Caterpillar subsidiary in Mexico.
As a member of SDSM& T’s Academic Advisory Council, Despain offers guidance on how the institution can best provide its students with the skills and knowledge to compete in today’s global economy. His management style emphasizes values and people. He describes the achievement of business objectives as “ the result of an empowered, values- driven work force that is motivated to succeed.”
“ People are our competitive advantage,” says Despain. “ We work together as a single world- class team, where each has a strong desire to contribute and where decisions and behavior consistent with our Common Values are recognized and rewarded.” These Common Values include trust, mutual respect, teamwork, empowerment, risk taking, sense of urgency, continuous improvement, commitment and customer satisfaction.
The 1998 Guy E. March Silver Medal, SDSM& T’s highest alumni award that recognizes outstanding professional achievement, will be presented to Dr. Maurice Fuerstenau. After graduating from SDSM& T in 1955 with a B. S. degree in Geological Engineering, he earned M. S. and Ph. D. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT).
In 1970 Dr. Fuerstenau was named Professor and Head of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a position he held for the next seventeen years. One of his most notable achievements in education was the revitalization of SDSM& T’s Department of Metallurgical Engineering into one of the best undergraduate departments in that discipline in the nation. In 1988 he accepted a position at the University of Nevada, Reno as Echo Bay Mines Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, a position that he currently holds.
During the ceremony, Dr. Gowen also will present 50- Year Graduate Certificates to the returning members of the Class of 1948. On Friday, May 8, SDSM& T President and Mrs. Richard Gowen will host a reception for the graduates and their families from 3: 00 to 4: 30 p. m. in the Surbeck Center Ballroom. SDSM& T AND AMERICAN STATE BANK TO COSPONSOR DAKOTA CHORAL UNION SPRING CONCERT ON MAY 9
The Dakota Choral Union ( DCU) will present a multi- media spring concert entitled “ Visions of Venice” on Friday, May 8, 1998. Sponsored by the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and American State Bank, the concert will be held at 7: 30 p. m. in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theater.
The concert will feature a “ surround sound expierience” of Baroque choral music of Renaissance composers such as Gabrieli, Schutz, and J. S. Bach, along with visual imagery of Venice, Italy. To achieve polychoral, or multiple choir, sound the large DCU choir will be divided into a number of smaller choirs and joined by small instrumental groups from different locations within the theater.
Stevens High School senior Lisa Schaible, winner of the Young Vocal Artist Competition, will be joining the DCU. The Dakota Choral Union is directed by Dr. James Feiszli, SDSM& T Professor of Music and Director of Music Activities. DCU is a community choir of non- auditioned singers from around the Black Hills and also is the official chorus of the Black Hills Symphony.
DIG FOR DINOSAURS THIS SUMMER WITH SDSM& T MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY
Individuals interested in digging for dinosaurs have the opportunity to do so this summer with the SDSM& T Museum of Geology. Paleontologists from the Museum of Geology will be leading several field expeditions this summer to important paleontological sites in the Black Hills, western South Dakota, and along the Missouri River.
The public can register to take part in these digs on a limited, space- available basis. Participants will work in small groups with the involved paleontologists. The field digs also can be taken for academic credit. Each summer individuals from around the country travel to South Dakota to participate in field digs with SDSM& T’s paleontologists who are known nationally and internationally for their expertise.
Officials from the SDSM& T Museum of Geology will be conducting scientific excavations for Jurassic dinosaurs and mammals; Late Cretaceous dinosaurs; Miocene vertebrate mammals; Late Cretaceous marine turtles, mosasaurs, and plesiosaurs; giant pigs and rhinos in Badlands National Park; Pleistocene mammals, fish and birds; and many other fossils.
The dates, locations and brief descriptions of the various field paleo digs offered this summer by the Museum of Geology are as follows:
June 15 - 26 Late Cretaceous Dinosaurs and other vertebrates from northwestern South Dakota ( Drs. James Martin and Bruce Schumacher)
June 15 - 26 Giant Pigs and Rhinos in Badlands National Park - excavate a tangle of Archaeotherium and Subhyracodon in the classic White River Badlands ( Carrie L. Herbel)
July 6 - 17 Miocene Vertebrates of Flint Hill, a generous mixture of large and small
mammals in Bennett County, South Dakota ( Carrie L. Herbel)
July 6 - 17 Jurassic Dinosaurs and Mammals I near Sundance, Wyoming. The “ found” world of Camarasaurus and Allosaurus and tiny primitive mammals are present at this exciting locality. ( Dr. James Martin)
July 20 - 31 Jurassic Dinosaurs and Mammals II, the second excavation session at this important paleontological site described above ( Dr. James Martin)
August 3 - 14 Marine Turtles, Mosasaurs, and Plesiosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Excavations along the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota ( Drs. Gorden Bell, James Martin and David Parris) A follow up session August 17 - 28 is also available. August 17 - 28 The Unwily Coyote Site, a series of fissure and cave deposits in the northern Black Hills that is producing camels, coyotes and a diverse assemblage of tiny vertebrates. The setting is especially conducive for field work. ( Dr. Philip Bjork)
Individuals interested in obtaining additional information about participating in the field digs can call ( 605) 394- 2467 or ( 800) 544- 8162/ ext. 2467; email pbjork@ msmail. gw. mail. sdsmt. edu.
SDSM& T WINS HARDWARE DESIGN AND STUDENT PAPER CONTESTS AT IEEE REGIONAL CONFERENCE / ROBOTICS TEAM 1 OF ONLY 6 TO QUALIFY
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) won both the hardware design and the student paper contests at the recent Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ( IEEE) Region 5 Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Electrical engineering major Ed Fetzer and computer engineering major Toby Foss of Rapid City took first place in the IEEE Hardware Design Contest. They competed against 22 universities including Texas A& M, Texas Tech, and the U. S. Air Force Academy in the contest requiring the letters “ IEEE” to be displayed on an oscilloscope with a blank between each letter.
Angie Monheim, a senior electrical engineering major from Rapid City, won first place in the Student Paper Contest that emphasizes the importance of writing and speaking skills for engineers. Her paper was entitled “ Holographic Data Storage.” Monheim was one of only twelve students in the region selected to give an oral presentation of the technical written papers submitted for the contest.
SDSM& T was one of only six university teams whose student- designed robot qualified in IEEE’s new Robotics Contest. The contest required student- designed robots to maneuver through a scaled- down house, find the room in which a candle is burning, extinguish the candle and then return to home base without touching any of the maze walls. South Dakota Tech’s robotics team members are Karl Hiramoto, computer engineering, Arlington; Angie Monheim, electrical engineering, Rapid City; and Marijane White, computer engineering, Fort Wayne, IN. Rich Ivey, a computer science major from Sioux Falls, provided programming assistance for the robot. In addition to SDSM& T, the twelve university teams competing in the robotics contest included Louisiana State University, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Texas Tech ( 2 robots), University of Missouri - Rolla, University of New Orleans, University of Southern Colorado, University of Southwestern Louisiana - Parks, University of Southwestern Louisiana, University of Texas - Austin and Wichita State University.
Dr. Neil Chamberlain, SDSM& T Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, serves as faculty advisor to the IEEE Student Chapter. The IEEE Region 5 includes Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and parts of Arkansas, Illinois, New Mexico, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
SDSM& T STUDENTS C0MPETING IN NATIONAL MINI- INDY COMPETITION MAY 27- 31
An interdisciplinary student team from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology traveled to Michigan this week to compete in the 1998 National Mini- Indy competition. The event runs May 27- 31 in the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. Teams from 110 universities throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are registered to compete in this year’s Mini- Indy event.
The annual intercollegiate competition is organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers ( SAE) with major corporate sponsorship by Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. The focus of Mini- Indy is not simply on who can build the fastest car but rather on the use of engineering skills, financial know- how, and creativity. The competition’s primary objectives are to provide students with a “ real- world” project experience in their engineering program, to prepare engineers for the auto industry, and to bring new ideas on safety, economy and performance into automobiles. Vehicles are judged in three categories— static inspection and engineering design, solo performance trials, and high performance track endurance.
This is SDSM& T’s third year of entering a vehicle in the Mini- Indy competition in which students design, fabricate and compete with small formula- style race cars. SDSM& T’s interdisciplinary team is comprised of mechanical, industrial, computer and electrical engineering majors.
Last year SDSM& T had the fastest carbureted car in the endurance- economy event and placed 24th overall out of 96 entries. SDSM& T was one of only 21 teams to be awarded a “ Distinguished Achievement” Achievement for earning points in every competition event.
SDSM& T HANDS- ON MUSEUM IN MOTION WILL OPEN MAY 15TH FOR SUMMER
The SDSM& T Museum in Motion, a hands- on museum for children, will open for the summer on Friday, May 15th. Hours are 9: 00 a. m. to 4: 00 p. m. Monday through Saturday through Labor Day. The museum is located on the main floor of the Old Gym ( directly east of the Museum of Geology) on the Tech campus.
Museum in Motion provides hands- on experiences in science and engineering for children of all ages, including many adults who enjoy the exhibits. The museum’s exhibits explain some of the laws of nature and basic principles of science. Visitors can learn while they play as they blow six- foot bubbles, stand inside a giant bubble machine, build and walk across an arch bridge, see themselves in a giant kaleidoscope, operate a large sand pendulum, and design patterns with a giant harmonograph that generates 3- D drawings. Other exhibits allow visitors to take apart old telephones, toasters, answering machines and other devices to explore what is inside them. Another popular exhibit is the simulated paleontology dig that provides an opportunity to dig for fossil casts embedded in sand. Assembled by the SDSM& T Museum of Geology, the simulated dig includes fossil casts from four geological ages that commonly yield fossils in the Black Hills area.
Field trips by school classes and day care centers are encouraged. Admission is $ 2 per person or $ 10 for a family pass. Educator passes are available for $ 25. For additional information or to schedule a field trip, call SDSM& T University & Public Relations at 394- 2554 or 1- 800- 544- 8162.
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS AND OTHER SPECIAL ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR
MUSEUM IN MOTION DURING JUNE
Magic School Bus and other special activities are scheduled at the SDSM& T hands- on children’s Museum in Motion during June. The activities will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10: 00 - 11: 00 a. m. and cost $ 5 per session.
The special programs being offered in June include the following:
June 1- 6: Dinosaur Week ~ Magic School Bus Dinosaur Class Busasaurus
June 8- 13: Recycling ~ Paper Making
June 15- 20: Geometry ~ Magic School Bus “ Under Construction/ Hands- on Geometry”
June 22- 26: Weather ~ Magic School Bus “ Kicks Up a Storm”
June 29- July 4: Sounds & Color ~ Make Your Own Noisemakers
The Museum features many hands- on science and engineering exhibits designed to make learning fun. Some new optical illusion exhibits are being added this summer to the Museum. Exhibits include a six- foot bubble machine, a giant kaleidoscope, a sand pendulum, and a large harmonograph that generates 3- D drawings.
The Museum in Motion is located in the Old Gym ( next to the Museum of Geology) on the South Dakota Tech campus. Hours are 9: 00 a. m. to 4: 00 p. m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $ 2 per person or $ 10 maximum for a family. Non- profit organization and child care provider rates are $ 25 ( or $ 1/ person for groups larger than 25). For additional information or to register for any of the special programs, call 394- 6996.
SDSM& T PROFESSORS AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT
The National Science Foundation recently awarded a $ 150,000 educational grant to Drs. Larry Bauer, David Dixon and Jan Puszynski, SDSM& T Professors of Chemical Engineering. The four- year project focuses on integrating chemical process design, state- of- the- art computer simulation, and optimization in chemical engineering courses from the freshman through senior years. Providing outreach to regional high school students and underrepresented groups, particularly Native American students, is an integral part of the project.
Vertical integration is a novel way to structure engineering curriculum. The project is expected to enhance the students’ understanding of course material by providing the “ big picture” early in their college education by demonstrating the integrated nature of the topics. When fully implemented, the integrated curriculum will serve as a model for chemical engineering departments in other universities across the U. S.
Students will also benefit from the introduction of the AspenPlus commercial process simulation software early in the curriculum, which will greatly enhance their understanding of science and engineering topics. Students will be able to use this powerful software tool to model process equipment from single pumps to complex installations, such as the complete ethanol production facility in Aberdeen. Through the early integration of AspenPlus, chemical engineering students at SDSM& T will gain an expertise with the current design tool used by many major industrial firms, such as Dow Chemical Company and Cargill.
In recognition of his accomplishments in teaching AspenPlus, Dr. Jan Puszynski was one of only two university professors in the world to receive the University Excellence Award in 1996 from Aspen Technologies, Inc.
Accomplishments from this NSF- sponsored project will be shared with other engineering departments in the U. S. and other countries around the world through publications, national presentations, and an active World Wide Web site. During the first stage of the project being conducted this summer, four undergraduate chemical engineering students at SDSM& T will be working with the professors to develop design projects and instructional examples. The students are Melissa Gage, senior, Brandon; Patrick Hallan, junior, Midland; James Lang, junior, Weston, FL; and Kate Staufacker, freshman, Rapid City.
SDSM& T PROFESSOR OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING TO RETIRE AFTER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Dr. Albert Louis Riemenschneider, SDSM& T Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is retiring after twenty- five years of service as an SDSM& T faculty member. He was instrumental in the development of computer laboratories and the establishment of the Computer Engineering program at SDSM& T.
A native of northwestern Nebraska, Dr. Riemenschneider also is an SDSM& T alumnus. Graduating from SDSM& T with a B. S. degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959, he went to work for Sperry Utah Company in Salt Lake City as a systems engineer for the Sergeant Missile Ground Electronics System. After earning his M. S. degree in Electrical Engineering from SDSM& T in 1962, he served as an instructor of electrical engineering at the University of Wyoming and received his Ph. D. degree from that institution.
Dr. Riemenschneider returned to SDSM& T in 1967 as an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, serving in that capacity and later as Associate Professor until 1974. He then joined Dunham Associates, a consulting engineering firm, as Chief Project Engineer and later was named Vice President and Chief Engineer for Symcom, Inc., a totally owned startup company under Dunham Associates. Dr. Riemenschneider returned to SDSM& T as Associate Professor in 1980, was promoted to full Professor in 1983, and served as Chair of the SDSM& T Electrical Engineering Department until 1995. He spent the 1995- 1996 year on sabbatical consulting for Gateway 2000 on an education/ training program. Dr. Riemenschneider has been a strong advocate for the use of computers as a tool in engineering education and practice.
SDSM& T FINANCIAL AID DIRECTOR SHARON COLOMBE RECEIVES AWARD FROM SOUTH DAKOTA COUNSELING ASSOCIATION
Sharon Colombe, SDSM& T Director of Financial Aid, received the Marvin Kemp Award from the South Dakota Counseling Association ( SDCA) during the SDCA’s recent annual convention in Aberdeen. The Marvin Kemp Award, which is SDCA’s top honor, was established in 1961 to recognize outstanding service to the counseling profession. The award is given only to an individual who has contributed to the counseling profession and SDCA for at least ten years, is active in the community as a civic leader/ volunteer, and displays continued professional growth.
Sharon Colombe has been a member of SDCA since 1970 and has served as SDSM& T Director of Financial Aid since 1987. “ Any time you work in education, you have to come from a counseling viewpoint,” says Sharon Colombe. “ It’s always important to remember that we are dealing with individual people.” The South Dakota Counseling Association previously honored Sharon with its Mary Lark Humanitarian Award in 1987 and the C. J. Peterson, Jr., Memorial Award in 1976.
WALL STUDENT NAMES SDSM& T’S NEXT SOLAR CAR / SOLAR TEAM TO VISIT WALL SCHOOL FRIDAY, MAY 8
Students from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology ( SDSM& T) Solar Motion Team will bring their solar- powered car to Wall this Friday, May 8th, at 8: 20 a. m. to recognize Kimberly Davis for submitting the name selected for SDSM& T’s next solar car. Kimberly, a sophomore at Wall High School, submitted Dakota Heat as the name for the solar car that SDSM& T will race in the Sunrayce ’ 99 competition. Her winning entry in the “ Name the Solar Car Contest” was selected from hundreds of names submitted by elementary through high school students from across South Dakota.
South Dakota Tech’s solar team will make a presentation about the design and use of solar- powered vehicles to the entire Wall student body. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions of the solar car team and view SDSM& T’s solar- car. Ken Harding of Newell, a Mechanical Engineering major who competed in Sunrayce ‘ 97, will lead the student team members visiting Wall.
SDSM& T’s Sunrayce ’ 97 car, Dakota Sun, was named by a Brookings Middle School Class. SDSM& T’s solar car was one of only 35 vehicles that completed last summer’s 1,240 mile race from Indianapolis to Colorado Springs. SDSM& T is the only university in an 11- state region ( Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) that entered a vehicle in Sunrayce ’ 97. The team won the “ Team Spirit Award” for its persistence and “ never give up” attitude.
Stagebarn Canyon Elementary School’s fourth grade class in Sturgis named SDSM& T’s first solar car, Solar Rolar. The highest placing rookie team in Sunrayce ’ 95, SDSM& T won the Best Use of Technology Award and the Humanitarian Award.
The solar car is being brought to Wall as part of the SDSM& T Solar Motion Team’s educational outreach activities to area schools. Educators interested in information on arranging school visits next fall by the SDSM& T Solar Motion Team should contact Ken Harding at 394- 2213.
SDSM& T SUMMER COURSES OFFER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS A HEAD START ON COLLEGE / TEACHER WORKSHOPS ALSO OFFERED
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) is offering several courses this summer of interest to K- 12 teachers and high school students wanting to get a head start on college.
Courses of interest to high school students entering college include:
Freshman Composition 1 ( ENGL 101): A practical writing course emphasizing basic language conventions, style, and the organization and development of expository prose.
Dates: June 8- July 31 ( 3 credits).
Introduction to Sociology ( SOC 100): Fundamental characteristics of social relationships, culture, personality, population and ecology, social institutions and processes, and cultural change. Dates: June 8 - July 3 ( 3 credits).
College Algebra ( MATH 1021, 1022, 1023): The completion of these three one- credit mini- credit courses in College Algebra is the equivalent of a traditional course in College Algebra. The courses are offered through the PRIME ( Personalized Resources for Individualized Math Education) program. For additional information, contact SDSM& T Math & Computer Science Dept. at 394- 2471. Dates: June 8- July 31 ( 1 credit for each mini- course).
The workshops and summer courses for teachers, which can be taken for various credit
options, include the following:
Spreadsheets for Mathematics and Science Teachers: Participants will use Excel spreadsheets to solve computational mathematics problems ranging from systems of equations to data analysis to basic financial applications. Dates: June 17- 19 ( 1 credit).
Aerospace in the Curriculum: NASA and other aerospace/ aviation officials will present teachers with a variety of hands- on experiences, field trips and curriculum materials. Dates: June 22- 26 ( can be taken for college credit, certification renewal, or non- credit.)
Geology of the Black Hills ( GEOL 107): This 5- day course is a practical introduction to the principles of geology, with emphasis on the geological history and hazards of the Black Hills area. The entire course is taught outside on the outcrops with most of the major scenic attractions being visited and explained. Dates: June 15- 19 ( 1 credit or audit option).
Advanced Placement Institute for English Literature & Composition: The institute is designed to provide high school English teachers with the content, teaching approaches and information about the AP examinations needed to prepare their students to take the College Board AP examinations. Dates: June 22- 26 ( 2 graduate credits optional).
Minorities in Engineering/ National Science Foundation Summer Institutes: The course titles and dates of these two- week immersion workshops ( 3 credits each) are: Principles of Ecology ( June 8- 18); Special Topics in Humanities: Lakota & the Environment ( June 22- July 3); Special Topics in Civil Engineering: Environmental Engineering Water Quality ( June 22- July 3); Special Topics in Civil Engineering: Environmental Hydrology ( July 9- 22).
Summer Paleontology Field Digs: The Museum of Geology offers eight, two- week field dig sessions throughout the summer at important paleontological sites in the Black Hills region, western South Dakota and along the Missouri River. Participants will be in small groups working closely with Museum of Geology scientists. The dates of the various field digs are: Late Cretaceous Dinosaurs ( June 15- 26); Giant Pigs and Rhinos/ Badlands National Park ( June 15- 26); Miocene Vertebrates of Flint Hill ( July 5- 17); Jurassic Dinosaurs and Mammals ( July 6- 17, July 20- 31); Marine Turtles, Mosasaurs & Plesiosaurs/ Missouri River ( August 3- 14, August 17- 28); and Unwily Coyote Site/ Northern Black Hills ( August 17- 28).
SDSM& T STUDENTS INITIATED INTO TAU BETA PI ENGINEERING SOCIETY The South Dakota Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society, recently initiated 26 new members. Since SDSM& T’s Alpha Chapter was organized in 1974, 1,062 members have been initiated. To be eligible, students must be an engineering major and in the top 1/ 5 of the senior class or the top 1/ 8 of the junior class.
Newly initiated members, their engineering major and hometown are as follows:
Seniors: Fredrik Andersen, industrial, Norway; Kelly Brownell, industrial, Hutchinson MN; Michael Stonefelt, civil, Lead; Benjamin Torvund, civil, Norway.
Juniors: Anders Amundsen, metallurgical, Norway; Jonathan Busby, electrical, Yankton; Richardl Dahl, electrical, Norway; Jan- Erik Ekornes, mechanical, Norway; John Fiedler, mechanical, Glenham; Kelli Hoback, electrical, Box Elder; Jade Kizer, electrical, Rapid City; Cason Kolb, physics, Aberdeen; William Kroll, mechanical, Corbett OR; James Lang, chemical, Weston FL; Solveig Olsen, chemical, Norway; Adam Schiel, computer, Sidney NE; Bradley Schleeter, civil, Ham Lake MN; Benjamin Short, mechanical, Sturgis; Jan Stenstadvolden, electrical, Norway; Tormod Sveen, mechanical, Norway; Nathan Uhrig, chemical, Rock Springs WY; William Walters, electrical, LaCrescent MN; Trudi Wardle, geological, Green River WY.
Graduate Students: Jack Erickson, civil, Rapid City; and Keith Plavec, civil, Yankton.
To Be Initiated at a Later Date: Robert Lundgren, civil, Rapid City; Joyce Williamson, civil, Piedmont.
OVER 1,000 FOURTH- GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN 1998 WATER FESTIVAL AT SDSM& T
Over 1,000 fourth- graders are scheduled to participate in the 1998 Water Festival being hosted by the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ( SDSM& T) on Tuesday, May 12th. Water Festival activities begin at 8: 30 a. m. and run until 2: 00 p. m. This is the fourth year SDSM& T has hosted this environmental education program that is directed to fourth graders.
Forty- five fourth grade classes from nineteen area schools will participate in a Quiz Bowl and at least three 20- minute presentations related to some aspect of non- point pollution, water quality and other environmental issues. Schools from Box Elder, Black Hawk, Hermosa, Hot Springs, Piedmont, Porcupine, Rapid City and Sturgis will be participating.
Teams of 4th- graders will compete in a Quiz Bowl that will be held throughout the day in Room 204 of the Didier Education Center ( Classroom Building). Each 4th- grade class will receive a rain gauge for competing in Quiz Bowl. Students also will have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of fun hands- on activities, including stream gauging in Rapid Creek, water chemistry, water filtration, weather radar, weather forecasting, sand tank dye casting, and oil spill cleanup — to name just a few.

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